North to South

Not everyone loves Pinchot Pass. I do. It
may not be as beautiful as Mather or as dramatic as Glen,
but it's got its own character, aided tremendously by the
charm of the landscape around it. The climb up from South
Fork Kings River is long, but the only sustained steep
stuff on this segment comes right at the beginning. The
trail clambers up from the river in a series of switchbacks
to
the junction
with the trail to Bench Lake (not to be missed if you have
the time) and the mini-spur to the Ranger Hut (which is
only sporadically occupied.) The trail mellows out a bit
after this and winds in a generally friendly fashion up
past a series of lakes, including sizable Lake Marjorie.
From there the trail steepens for a while, but before long
it tops out at Pinchot Pass. The views in both directions
are marvelous. Southbound hikers then begin the long downhill
walk to Woods Creek. This is true High Sierra country,
and that the trail takes its time to descend is something
of a blessing. There's plenty to look at. When you do finally
drop out of that basin, just past the trail to Sawmill
Pass, the descent to Woods Creek (through a large stand
of pines) is swift. By the time the Woods Creek crossing
finally arrives, you've descended a full 3000 feet since
the pass. Believe me, you'll be ready for a little uphill.

South to North

Though the distance to Pinchot Pass is greater
from the south, and the uphill more extreme, it's really
not a bad trek. The backpacker traveling at an average speed
should be able to hike from Woods Creek to below Lake Marjorie
north of Pinchot Pass without too much trouble. The stretch
just north of the Woods Creek crossing can get quite hot.
The trail is on a south facing slope and the altitude begins
at 8500 feet. But if you're joining the trail from further
down the creek and Paradise Valley (coming in from Cedar
Grove) you've already been through far worse. Eventually,
the trail makes a steep ascent out of the canyon through
a wide stand of pines. Once you've cleared them, you're in
the main basin below the pass. You won't see it for a while,
but who cares? There's plenty else to look at as you wind
your way up past the timberline. Though never outrageously
steep, that last section leading to the top of the pass can
be heart-stopper. Happily, it's short and then the downhill
begins. It doesn't take long before Mather Pass, your next
obstacle, slides into dramatic view in the distance.